There are times when I walk into a show and know its going to be exciting. Something is in the air, some intangible magic pulling people together, forcing smiles onto their faces. We arrived to see the XX at the Tribeca Grand in the rain, half-expecting to sit outside in one of those “hotel-venue-lines.” It wasn’t to be, we were quickly ushered in and made our way to the basement. A sharply appointed, mysterious and darkened room, this wasn’t what I was expected. To me CMJ has become synonymous with grimy clubs, free shows in odd venues and venues with charmingly rough edges. A few people had already gathered on the dancefloor and more than a few were already staking out their stage spots, 4 hours early!
The DJs played a refreshing mix of new-wave, 90s house and techno re-rubs and proceeded to destroy the dancefloor. I’d been bored by the DJ format for sometime. The music seems stale and the performance completely predictable, but for record after record last night I was surprised and my butt was moved.
The XX arrived, sound-checked while the DJs were still playing (my condolences to the sound guy and the band.) Unfortunately, all the magic the DJs and crowd had built evaporated with the first note. Someone decided not to use the hefty sound system the DJs had been playing through all night, and now instead of being surrounded by the XX’s luscious guitars and grainy, haunting vocals, the crowd strained to hear. Death by sound system, I tried to pay attention, but the din of conversation in the room was louder than the music. That said, I could tell the band had something special and I will be back for another show.
I’m switching paces here (and tenses, sorry,) but I want to make my point as I see it and hear it now. Their music is delicate and intimate, and I know seeing them under different circumstances those qualities will pull me in and serenade.
Also, big shout out to Myles from Sneak Attack Media for turning me on to the XX in the first place, and for letting us know about the show. He’s the man for sure. Here’s my favorite for the moment, and buy link (please support the artists):
the XX – Shelter (Them Jeans Drum Edit)
For more on CMJ and POSR’s perspective on the conference check out Wilson’s first day write-up on weareposr.com
POSR, the electro thrash band that Tierra Music signed in May, rocked San Antonio last week with its first official live show with the whole band. The electro post-punk group commanded the crowd at Wax Club to dance. It won’t be the last time. These guys are coming to Houston in July — Stay tuned for details.
Tierra Records and Tierra Music Publishing announced today it has signed producer Jake Child’s new electro-punk project POSR. POSR brings together Jakes’ considerable production experience and his goal of creating a complete artist identity. Production and mastering will commence immediately with the goal of releasing POSR, in the US, in late September. POSR is currently finishing the mixes on a number of songs before final mastering. Pre-release and press copies are scheduled to be out late-June. PR team, radio promotional team and street marketing partners will be announced along with pre-release copies of the record.
About Tierra Records and Tierra Music Publishing Tierra Records and Music Publishing are sister companies to Tierra Studios. Tierra Records and Music Publishing began with the desire to help local musicians obtain professional representation and promotion for their recording projects. Tierra is proud to work with the Houston and Austin music communities to expose the world to Texas’ top talents.
